Six UCL clubs progressed to the last 64 of the FA Vase this weekend.
Newport Pagnell Town began the defence of their title with a 4-1 win away to Baldock Town of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division on Sunday. An early goal from Albie Hall gave the impression that a comfortable afternoon was in store for the holders but Baldock fought back and deserved their equaliser midway through the half. However another Hall goal five minutes before half time regained the lead for the visitors. A goal in the first minute of the second half effectively settled the tie although there was still time for Hall to complete his hat trick with an outrageous backheeled volley. The Swans’ cup defence will continue with another away tie. This time they will be making the long trek to Norwich United of the Eastern Counties League Premier Division.
The Vase weekend had got underway on Friday evening as Pinchbeck United hosted Dunkirk. The visitors made a bright start but Pinchbeck had looked dangerous on the break and took the lead on 20 minutes when Avelino Vieira beat the offside trap and produced a fine finish. The second half began with Dunkirk dominant. George Harrison equalised early in the half before a stunning left-footed strike from Joe Harrison gave the visitors a deserved lead after 68 minutes. However there was more to come as Pinchbeck were sparked into action. Ben Johnson equalised after 78 minutes and Pinchbeck missed a fine chance shortly afterwards before Ukrainian debutant Ruvim Ponomorov scored the winner with eight minutes left. Pinchbeck’s first ever appearance in the third round will be at home to St. Panteleimon of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.
There were two other ties where a UCL club were guaranteed to progress. In a Premier North v Premier South clash, Anstey Nomads defeated Wellingborough Town. A goal from Lewis Gibbens gave Anstey a half time lead before goals in the last 15 minutes from Corey Armeni and substitute Harry Wakefield completed a 3-0 win. Anstey’s reward is another tie against UCL opposition in the shape of Newark & Sherwood United who overcame Blackstones in the other all UCL second round tie in a thrilling match. A ninth-minute goal from Kieran Duffy-Weekes gave the Division One visitors the lead but two goals in ten minutes put Newark & Sherwood 2-1 with ten minutes left. However the drama wasn’t over as Newark & Sherwood required a last-minute penalty save from Ross Woolley to hang on to the victory.
The two Coventry clubs had mixed fortunes on the road. United lost 2-1 at Congleton Town of the North West Counties League Premier Division after taking a first half lead through Joseph Agunbiade while Sphinx overcame lower level opposition in the shape of Eccleshall from the North West Counties League Division One South. Their 3-0 victory came courtesy of three second half goals. They will now travel to Belper United in the next round. Belper overcame Hinckley AFC, now of the Midland League Division One, as they did in the UCL Division One play off final last season. Hinckley took an early lead in this match but Belper ran out 4-1 winners.
Rugby Town and Loughborough Students both went out of the competition to opponents from the Midland League Premier Division. Rugby Town suffered a disappointing 1-2 home reverse to AFC Wilfrunians thanks to a stoppage time winner while last season’s semi finalists, Loughborough Students, also saw their campaign come to an early end with a 2-1 defeat at Stourport Swifts.
Third Round ties will be played on the weekend on December 3:
- Belper United v Coventry Sphinx
- Newark & Sherwood United v Anstey Nomads
- Pinchbeck United v St. Panteleimon
- Newport Pagnell Town v Norwich United
